"1998/1999 Performance Commentaries"
December 22, 1999 :Winter Solstice/Full Moon - at BLUES ALLEY The sky was bright, the air was cold - a moon so bright and full had only happened, most recently, on a Winter Solstice 133 years ago. This day was Xyra's birthday, too- also born on a Winter Solstice, under a full moon, in Germany - not so many years ago. After Eric Brace wrote his phenomenal article in The Washington Post about Xyra and her band, no one knew quite what to expect for the gig that night. Ralph Camilli hired extra staff, in hopes that the place would turn crowds over capacity. A scary piece of info floated around : Xyra was ill for several days prior to the show, with sore throat, and Don Stapleson showed up with flu. Still, the show HAD TO go on!!! Angels sent their mercy and protection, according to Xyra, who was afraid she wouldn't be able to sing. She and that wonderful sound person, Sharon Shapiro, were prepared. If Xyra faltered, Sharon would be right there, to fatten things up, and smooth out the rough spots, electronically - something Xyra had never needed before. The band received a brightening fax, transmitted from Cologne Germany by dear friend Arno Jung, minutes before the first show got started. Things seemed as though they'd be OK, now. Surprisingly, to Sharon and Xyra - Xyra seemed to regain full voice, after the first song. The band was tight, despite any hindrances. Very present were the fine contributions of all. Outstanding were the presentation and direction of guitarist Eric Ulreich, occasionally dueling guitar and multiwinds with reedman, Donald Stapleson. Andrew Cann played his piano intros and leads with unequivocal finesse, as usual, and cellist Fred Lieder bowed his stringed magic into the varied numbers played from FRIGHTENING BEAUTY - the new CD. The rhythm section, consisting of fretless wonder Larry Lawrence and well-known percussionist/drummer Norm Thorne were solid and reliable - never missing a pulse. The CD material was quite refreshing, although we'd heard some of it before. Amazing new songs, like neo-waltz number "Find Me", featured on the radio piece Mark Jenkins did for the show Metro Connection, on NPR affiliate WAMU, roused curiosity and stimulated the imagination. Titles like "Random Inquiry" - a valid Prog Rock number, conjuring the memory of Procol Harum, and Roxy Music's "A Song for Europe" swept the crowd away. Rumor has it "A Song for Europe" will go on the band's next release, which would be a good move, as they do a great rendition of the formerly archived anthem. A favorite, and perhaps their catchiest number was "Prisoner in a Free Society", inspired by the 30th anniversary of The Prisoner, a British television series from the 1960s, and the cloning of sheep - both occurring in 1997. Xyra perked, "Both things happened in Briton. What does that tell you?" The song is sort of Tango-Rock, laced with Bowie-esque vocals. Could this be their single? Another highlight of the evening was Eric Ulreich's guitar solo composition, "The Fool's Journey". It calmly resolved the tumultuous message of Xyra's song for Nico, "When She Walks Into the Room", leading smoothly into"Minstrel of the Grail" - the 13th selection off the new CD. After a respite of sipping and mingling, the second show seemed to cook with a bit more furor, and Xyra seemed in full voice! Eric played some licks reminiscent of Jimi Hendrix, sending heads spinning. The band ended with the classic blues number "I Put a Spell on You", pumped-up by lights and effects Blues Alley seldom uses. (These were also used on the band's cover of Nico's song to Jim Morrison - "You Forgot to Answer"- Xyra & Verborgen's arrangement being a riveting, unexpected rendition!) To a crowd of little more than a hundred, Xyra & Verborgen found a way to warm the night. And even if most of the Washington, DC metro area were shopping, or caught in traffic, those who attended the 124-capacity venue seemed more than pleased with what they found. It was a night of magic and miracles. We are awaiting more. BEST of Luck to Xyra & Verborgen In ALL things- A fan of the band 
"Cabaret Rock Nouveau" meets Blues Alley:People expect greatness, when they push open the hundred-year-old door to a night club icon called Blues Alley. The dark-paneled, blue room resonates ghost notes from legends like Dizzy Gillespie and Ella Fitzgerald - its walls lined with autographed photos and saxophones of the Jazz masters. Even the specialized menu has quotes from famous faces having graced the club, since 1965. "Dizzy Gillespie, Ahmad Jamal and Wynton Marsalis recorded live albums there; so did local legendary jazz vocalists Eva Cassidy and Mary Ann Redmond and guitarist Charlie Byrd." Current acts include notable icon, Nancy Wilson. Strolling down The Alley, July 19th, the marquee clearly displayed a name unrecognizable to most. So, what came to mind when the nation's oldest, most respected night club booked Xyra & Verborgen? For one thing, Verborgen comprises an accomplished ensemble of uniqueness and strength. That, combined with the colorful richness and power of Xyra's voice, creates the very special ambience the audience witnessed that night . . . and as Duke Ellington said, "If it sounds good, it IS good!" Beginning with the first song, the band not only rocked, they captivated! The 8 PM show went over the one-hour mark by nearly 20 minutes, but the crowd remained enthralled. Selections included the title cut from Xyra & Verborgen's upcoming CD, "FRIGHTENING BEAUTY", along with other cuts destined for the new release. (A 6-song EP, including the album title cut, FRIGHTENING BEAUTY, should be out September 1st, followed by the 14-cut album, the first week of December.) A favorite, "Train to Paris", was requested from the first album, Where Glass Birds Fly, by some fans having heard it played on National Public Radio. The band had omitted the Cabaret-inspired number from their set, adding Roxy Music's classic, "A Song For Europe". This, among others, absolutely dumbfounded most. The delivery and arrangement were riveting and very close to the original recording, off Roxy Music's 1970s release, "Stranded". Trying to avoid too many cover tunes, "Train to Paris" is soon to be re-ensconced. When Andrew Cann began the second set with his composition, "Candle Night", he had the audience spellbound. This was followed by Andrew and Xyra's wonderful rendition of "My Funny Valentine". This was inspired by Nico's version, accompanied by James Young, author of her notorious biography "Songs They Never Play on the Radio". Seemingly out of character, Curtis Mayfield's famed tune, "People Get Ready" was a good call for Xyra & Verborgen to finish the evening. Washington Post's Eric Brace showed, followed by a Post photographer. Xyra & Verborgen await his article, in hopes that Mr. Brace's enthusiasm during their first performance at Blues Alley will reflect therein. Blues Alley has suggested the band do their FRIGHTENING BEAUTY CD release party there. The reaction tends toward the obvious. Notable mention: The crew at Blues Alley is wonderful! From congenial manger, Ralph Camilli, and magnificent sound engineer, Sharon Shapiro, to the people running the door, servers, and kitchen staff - Blues Alley is a first class experience! Anonymous member - The Xyra & Verborgen Fan Club
The Webmaster Social/Fund-raiser The DC Pages Webmaster Social on May 22 was an interesting, challenging bash. In Georgetown, the Old Town section of Washington, DC, Cafe Myth is well-situated on the main drag. Being a Cyber Cafe, the atmosphere is hip and arty, with tasteful decor. Stereo Pharaohs started off the music segment of the event with their rare blend of 90s Space Funk and late 60s Acid Rock. Donned in tie-dye velvet, electric violinist, Doug Empie, expressly looked and played the part. Stereo Pharaohs' stylized Space Rock elements meld with a frantic, Zappa-esque madness that is hard to master. A superb performance - this was the best we'd seen, and they just keep getting better! Rupert and Arthur came forth with their infamous Synth-based mien. Eno-esque, POP-sounding tunes abounded, with a sinister, double-Theramin twist. (Playing along side Arthur - a vintage Theramist - Rupert has also taken up the instrument.) A Trippy, 90s-Beatnik, Space-POP duo, R&A were fun, accessible, and unusually entertaining. Closing out the evening, after some words from the Master of Ceremonies, Luke Augustine Wilbur, were the unmistakable sounds of Xyra & Verborgen. Among them was guest flute and sax player, Bruce Swaim - well known for his contributions to the music of Danny Gatton and Mary Chapin Carpenter. The set was enthralling, and powerful. Consummate professionals, Verborgen shone of "brilliance", "amazing musicianship", "uniqueness", and "relaxed focus", according to some enthusiastic onlookers. This was an evening to be remembered! With the help of master soundman, Harry Cimermanis, it was one of the three band's better performances.
On March 18th, Xyra & Verborgen draped the walls of Phantasmagoria with riveting, rich tones, brooding melodies, and Xyra's pleading reveries. The sound quality was grand, and the performance duly emotional! New guitarist, Eric Ulreich shone of consummate brilliance, along with the rest of the band. Members of the audience remarked on Eric's ability to enhance the sound, raising the guitar parts to unexpected heights! It was remarked this was Xyra & Verborgen's most passionate performance, to date! Larry boomed, Andrew loomed, Norman resounded, Donald dumbfounded, and Fred - being Fred - on cello, prevailed. Stereo Pharaohs were fluid yet solid, vigorously moving the audience with their special brand of Space Rock ambiance. Loud and rocking, sincerity and depth were not spare, as they managed to convey strong, personal substance and cerebral brain wave inspiration. That evening, Phantasmagoria's owner, Bobby, consigned X&V's current CD release, Where Glass Birds Fly, for sale at his Wheaton and Dupont Circle stores. Tommy, booking agent for the venue, commented on the Goth quality of the band, and hopes to arrange a weekend show, in the near future. It would feature Xyra & Verborgen, along with one or two Goth or Dark Ambient acts, on a Saturday night. HOPE to see you THERE! |
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Newly appointed master guitarist, Eric Ulreich, joined Xyra & Verborgen
at Phantasmagoria, March 18! We proudly welcome him, and duly appreciate his
creative prowess, solid professionalism and sound expertise! To read Eric's
Bio, click the photo, on left!
May former guitarist and cohort, Cris Chillura, find what he seeks. |
Met by a larger, equally enthusiastic crowd - Xyra & Verborgen returned to JAXX - Thursday, December 17! David Nuttycombe of The Washington City Paper! was there to interview the band for CP's Internet feature : "Pop Quiz"! The event was filmed by the notoriously talented Empie Brothers . . . Bret & Doug (of Boggies' and Stereo PharaohS' fame).
At JAXX Thursday, November 5, 1998 - The crowd response was vocal and positive - the band : focused and intense. Voice of America's World Net Satellite TV filmed Xyra & Verborgen that evening for a feature story on the band.
A 60th Birthday Tribute to NICO! . . . October 15/16, 1998 :
On NICO's birthday-eve, Xyra vocalized NICO and Velvet Underground material, in eulogy, at DC's Velvet Lounge!. Opening The gig was an ensemble comprised of: Rupert Chappell (singing backup, multitasking on Korg midi, and drum machine), Goat's Doug Empie (on electric violin), and Verborgen's Andrew Cann (on electric guitar, digital Grand piano and organ), with lead vocals by Xyra.
The NICO Tribute began with the opening ensemble performing :Femme Fatale
Venus in Furs (sung as "NICO's revenge")
All Tomorrow's Parties
You Forgot to Answer
Innocent and Vain, and
I'll Be Your Mirror
As noted earlier, in X&V News, Xyra's song about NICO appears on the band's second and third CDs - Shadows of Light, and FRIGHTENING BEAUTY. Mike Kostek, editor of 'What Goes On?' will also sell copies these works. 'WGO?' is dedicated to perpetuating music, art and literature inspired by The Velvet Underground. His website and internationally distributed catalog include photos, updates and revelations, concerning former VU members. To find out more about The Velvet Underground Appreciation Society (VUAS), and mail order rare VU items - write Mike : mkostek@usa.net
